Isaiah 61

The Lord’s Anointed Speaks

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me, because the Lord anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to captives and release for prisoners.

2 To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort everyone who mourns.

3 To give those who mourn in Zion beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord to show His glory.

Restoration for God’s People

4 They will rebuild ancient ruins, raise up old waste places, and restore ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

5 Strangers will stand and shepherd your flocks; foreigners will farm your land and work your vineyards.

6 But you will be called priests of the Lord; people will call you ministers of our God. You will eat the wealth of nations and boast in their riches.

Everlasting Joy

7 Instead of shame, you will receive double. Instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. So in your land you will possess double, and everlasting joy will be yours.

8 “For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will give them a true reward and make an everlasting covenant with them.”

9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. Everyone who sees them will acknowledge they are a people blessed by the Lord.

Joy in God’s Salvation

10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul will celebrate in my God. For He clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness. Like a groom dressed for his wedding and a bride adorned with her jewels.

11 Just as the earth makes seeds sprout and a garden makes things grow, so the Lord God will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.